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Cleveland Browns: Position grades from loss to Eagles

By Jonathan Goehring

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) shakes hands with Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) after the game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) shakes hands with Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) after the game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Carl Nassib (94), running back Raheem Mostert (25) and linebacker Demario Davis (56) celebrate Nassib
Aug 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Carl Nassib (94), running back Raheem Mostert (25) and linebacker Demario Davis (56) celebrate Nassib /

Linebackers: F

The linebackers are almost equally as responsible for the inability of Cleveland’s defense to defend against Philadelphia’s rushing attack. Additionally, they hold a significant portion of the blame for failing to muster up pressure on Wentz and the Philadelphia offensive line.

Demario Davis led the way with six tackles, and Christian Kirksey followed close behind with four. Mostly though, the four linebackers were ineffective. They were often forced to make plays on running backs 5-10 yards downfield, immediately putting the Eagles in shorter yardage situations which opened up their playbook. The failure to manufacture a pass rush beyond the defensive line also proved costly to the Browns, as the Eagles were given more than enough time to successfully run their offense.

The linebackers struggled in coverage, especially with big targets early on in the game. Tight ends Brent Celek and Zach Ertz set the tone offensively, keeping the Browns guessing. Emmanuel Ogbah made one impressive play, but was not in the game nearly enough to have a significant impact. Overall, the linebackers were unable to provide Cleveland’s defense with anything whatsoever, failing to do their job altogether.

Next: Secondary

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